PhD Computer Science

Overview

The PhD Computer Science program at the University of Essex is a research-based degree that allows students to investigate a chosen topic in depth and reach a profound understanding. The program is based in the School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, which is one of the largest and best-resourced schools in the UK.

Research Areas

The school's research activity and supervision are concentrated in the following principal research areas:

• Artificial intelligence
• Biologically inspired architectures
• Educational technology
• E-learning
• Natural and evolutionary computation
• Natural language engineering
• Software agents
• Software engineering

Specialist Facilities

The school provides a range of specialist facilities, including:

Computer Laboratories

• Six laboratories exclusively for computer science and electronic engineering students
• Three software labs open 24 hours a day, including weekends
• Experienced and dedicated team of technical support staff

Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) Lab

• 70m˛ laboratory with four experimental areas
• Equipment includes EEG systems, near-infrared systems, and eye trackers

Robotics Laboratory

• Brooker Robotics Lab with 30 dual-boot PCs and 25 mobile robots
• Specialist software, including Tornado for developing embedded systems

Robot Arena

• 100m˛ laboratory with a six-meter ceiling height for flying robots
• Dedicated robotic equipment, including a state-of-the-art 3D motion tracking system

Embedded Systems Laboratory

• Software and hardware facilities for designing, constructing, and prototyping embedded system solutions
• 16 dedicated workstations and a range of state-of-the-art test equipment

Entry Requirements

UK Entry Requirements

• Good honors degree and a Master's degree, or equivalent, in a related subject
• Well-developed research proposal
• Interview or Skype interview for acceptance

International & EU Entry Requirements

• Wide range of qualifications accepted from applicants studying in the EU and other countries
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component

Structure

Course Structure

• Research degree with no taught structure
• Opportunity to investigate a chosen topic in depth and reach a profound understanding

Assessment

• Aim to become trained as an independent researcher who can critically assess other research work
• Comprehensive knowledge of the subject area

Dissertation

• PhD thesis generally completed within three to four years
• Length of around 80,000 words
• Awarded after successful defense of the thesis in an oral examination

Fees and Funding

Home/UK Fee

• Ł5,006 per year

International Fee

• Ł19,650 per year

Scholarships and Financial Support

• May be available to help with the cost of the course

What's Next

Open Days

• Opportunity to find out more about studying at Essex and meet with staff and students

Applying

• Apply online
• Preliminary enquiry to a potential supervisor or the Graduate Administrator recommended
• Brief research proposal prior to submission of a full application

Related Courses

• MSc (by Dissertation) Computer Science
• MPhil Computer Science
• PhD Computer Science

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Outline:

• The PhD Computer Science program at the University of Essex is a three to four-year research degree that provides students with the opportunity to investigate their chosen topic in real depth and reach a profound understanding.
• The program is structured around a research project, which students complete under the supervision of a faculty member.
• Students also take coursework in their chosen field, as well as research methods and statistics.
• The program culminates in a dissertation, which students defend in an oral examination.

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Assessment:

• Students are assessed on their research project, coursework, and dissertation.
• The research project is assessed on its originality, significance, and impact.
• The coursework is assessed on students' knowledge and understanding of the material.
• The dissertation is assessed on its quality, originality, and significance.

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Teaching:

• The PhD Computer Science program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are active researchers in their field.
• The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, and workshops.
• Students also have access to a range of research facilities, including laboratories, libraries, and computing resources.

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Careers:

• Graduates of the PhD Computer Science program go on to careers in academia, industry, and government.
• Some graduates also start their own businesses.
• The program provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a variety of careers.

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Other:

• The PhD Computer Science program at the University of Essex is a highly respected program that has a long history of producing successful graduates.
• The program is located in Colchester, England, which is a vibrant and historic city.
• The University of Essex is a member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities.

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Home/UK fee £4,786 per year International fee £18,750 per year

University of Essex

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Overview:

The University of Essex is a public research university located in Colchester, Essex, England. It is known for its strong academic reputation, particularly in the fields of social sciences, humanities, and law. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as short courses and apprenticeships.

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Services Offered:

The university provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Accommodation:

Guaranteed, affordable accommodation for new undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Student Support:

A variety of support services are available to students, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health support.

Careers and Employability:

The university offers resources and programs to help students develop their career skills and find employment.

Essex Sport:

A wide range of sports facilities and activities are available to students, including fitness classes, performance sport, and scholarships.

Faith:

The university provides support for students of all faiths.

Cost of Living Support:

The university offers financial assistance to students who are struggling with the cost of living.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Students at the University of Essex can expect a vibrant and diverse campus experience. The university has a strong sense of community, with a variety of clubs, societies, and events to get involved in. The university also has a beautiful campus, with green spaces, lakes, and modern facilities.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Academic Reputation:

The university is consistently ranked highly in national and international rankings.

Excellent Research:

The university is a leading research institution, with a strong focus on innovation and impact.

Diverse and Inclusive Community:

The university is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.

Excellent Student Support:

The university provides a wide range of support services to help students succeed.

Beautiful Campus:

The university has a beautiful campus, with green spaces, lakes, and modern facilities.

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Academic Programs:

The University of Essex offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate Programs:

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate programs in the arts, humanities, social sciences, law, business, and science.

Postgraduate Programs:

The university offers a wide range of postgraduate programs, including master's degrees, PhDs, and professional qualifications.

Short Courses and CPD:

The university offers a variety of short courses and continuing professional development programs.

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Other:

The university has three campuses: Colchester, Southend, and Loughton. The Colchester campus is the main campus and is located in a beautiful parkland setting. The Southend campus is located on the seafront and offers a more urban experience. The Loughton campus is home to the university's drama school, East 15 Acting School.

The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, including the Centre for Research in Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Management (REIMI) and the Human Rights Centre.